Suspect arrested after gunfire disrupts White House correspondents’ dinner
By DL News
Published
1 min read
Allen, who is from Torrance, California, has been described in US media reports as a teacher and video game developer. Investigators say he tried to breach security at the event and was carrying multiple weapons.
A man identified by US authorities as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is in custody after gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, triggering a security response that forced President Donald Trump and other guests to be moved from the scene.
Allen, who is from Torrance, California, has been described in US media reports as a teacher and video game developer. Investigators say he tried to breach security at the event and was carrying multiple weapons.
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was inside the hotel, said he was only a few feet away when the shooting began. He described hearing a burst of gunfire as officers rushed in to shield people nearby.
US officials say the suspect was subdued near the staircase leading toward the ballroom where the dinner was taking place. One Secret Service officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
The Justice Department has since accused Allen of acting alone, and federal prosecutors are moving ahead with charges linked to the attack.
In the immediate aftermath, Trump praised law enforcement for their response, describing the intervention as quick and courageous.
